For much of the 2013 season, rookie cornerback Brandon McGee has been a productive member of the Rams’ special teams units. To wit, he’s tied for second in special teams tackles with six.But McGee’s opportunities to play on defense have been few and far between. To wit, one play against Jacksonville on Oct. 6 and four plays against Carolina on Oct. 20.

That could change Sunday against the visiting Chicago Bears because of what the team is describing as an eye injury to cornerback Cortland Finnegan. Officially listed as doubtful, Finnegan isn’t expected to play, and that could get McGee on the field when the Rams’ go to their nickel package.

“It’s a blessing to kind of be in this position,” McGee said following Friday’s practice. “Coach (Jeff Fisher) is giving me the opportunity to play. They feel I’m more comfortable in the system; more acclimated with the system.

If Tavon Austin is the fastest Ram, McGee is 1A. He’s that fast. But he’s still raw at the cornerback position, and has been banged up at various times with a variety of ailments.

“Yeah, but I’ve been able to play through most of the injuries,” McGee said. “I haven’t missed much practice time; I haven’t missed a game yet this season.”

McGee (5-11, 193) has decent size for the position, but that’s a relative term when it comes to the skyscrapers the Bears trot out at wide receiver. Brandon Marshall is 6-4, 230, Alshon Jeffery is 6-3, 216, and No. 3 wideout Earl Bennett is no shrimp at 6-0, 206.

“They’ve got a talented group of receivers,” said McGee, a fifth-round draft pick from Miami (Fla.). “Lots of guys that can go up and get the ball at the highest point.”

The Rams do have another option when it comes to nickel back. Safety Rodney McLeod filled that role when Finnegan missed three games in October with a hamstring injury. So it remains to be seen how much McGee plays Sunday.